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Girl Rising

Documentary screening and discussion with Erin Ganju, Co-Founder and CEO, Room to Read

Drinks reception 6:30 pm
Screening 7:00 pm
Close 8:15 pm

“This is not the end. It is the beginning” — Sokha is a Cambodian orphan forced to pick through garbage to survive. Through a series of miracles, she finds her way to school and has risen to become a star student on the brink of a once unimaginable future.

“Change is like a song you can’t hold back” — Though her brothers were enrolled in school, Suma was forced into bonded labor at the age of six. The Nepali girl endured years of sorrow by writing beautiful music and gets a glimpse of freedom when she gains access to education. Suma is now supported through Room to Read’s Girls’ Education program.

“Look into my eyes. Do you see it now? I am change.” — Amina is constrained by Afghan society, confined by her gender and expected only to serve men. But this child bride is determined to reject the limitations prescribed by society and lead others to do the same.

Girl Rising journeys around the globe to witness the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. From Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins, Girl Rising spotlights the stories of unforgettable girls born into unforgiving circumstances. It captures their dreams, their voices and their remarkable lives. The groundbreaking film tells the stories of nine extraordinary girls from nine countries. The edited version screened at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center will include stories from girls in Cambodia, Nepal and Afghanistan. The 34-minute screening will be followed by a discussion with Erin Ganju, Co-Founder and CEO of Room to Read.

Erin Ganju is Co-Founder and CEO of Room to Read, an award winning global nonprofit organization focused on literacy and gender equality in education. As CEO, she has been instrumental in scaling the organization by expanding into new geographies and by being a thought leader in program design. Ms. Ganju currently manages worldwide operations across 10 program countries and seven fundraising offices, and oversees a global employee base of over 500 people. Ms. Ganju graduated from Johns Hopkins University.

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